Syphilis - Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR)

Syphilis is a highly infectious sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Transmission of syphilis requires direct contact with a syphilis sore typically on the vagina, anus, rectum, lips, or mouth. Syphilis can also rarely be passed from a pregnant mother to her baby or through blood transfusions.

The symptoms of syphilis are numerous and often indistinguishable from those of other diseases. If untreated, syphilis can cause irreversible damage to the brain, heart, eyes, bones, nerves, and other body tissues. In some cases damage from syphilis can be fatal. Fortunately, syphilis can generally be treated with antibiotics, including penicillin.